The month of Shravan or Savan is one of the most auspicious and sacred months among all the months in Hindu calendar. This month is considered sacred to offer worship and rituals to Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. Shravan in 2025 will start from July 11 and will last till August 9 and five Monday will fall in the month of Saawan this year.
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Significance of Savan
Sawan is a month during which devotees of Lord Shiva observe fasts on Mondays with great enthusiasm to please Lord Shiva. In the month of Savan devotees take bath early in the morning and they visit Shiva temples to make their offerings to take blessings of Lord Shiva.
This period corresponds with the time of Chaturmas when saints traditionally remain in one place, for intense meditation during divine worship, with the firm belief that this is a time of intense devotion to Lord Bhole Nath.
Observing Sawan Mondays
Although Mondays are dedicated to Lord Mahadev in Hinduism but Mondays in the month of Savan holds greater importance. The first and the last Monday of Sawan holds special significance this year and fasting and performing rituals on these days is extremely auspicious. Fasting during Savan is one of the most significant practices in Sanatan traditions as it grants immense spiritual benefits.
Devotees perform the fast on Mondays during the Sawan and they avoid consuming onions, garlic, meat, and alcohol. Infact many devotees avoid these things for the entire month of Sawan. During this month devotees only consume sattvic foods.
Guidelines for Sawan Monday Fasting
When you are fasting on Sawan Monday, below are a few things to consider:
1. Sattvic Food
Eat light and satvik food which are generally prescribed during fasting.
2. Fruits
Within the range of fruits, mangoes, apples, bananas, watermelons, and pomegranates can be eaten. They are cooling in nature and are easy to digest.
Special Observances This Year
Astrologers have opined a remarkable combination this year with five auspicious Sawan Mondays occurring. This rare arrangement is believed to bear blessings for devotees who will keep fast these Mondays with utmost devotion.
To know more about the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, read our article here.
Rituals for Worshipping Lord Shiv
To worship Lord Shiva on the first day of Sawan, follow these steps:
Puja Vidhi
Purification: Take a bath early in the morning to prepare oneself for worship.
Place of Worship: Make a clean and sacred space for your puja rituals. It is more auspicious to place the Shivling in a clean space.
Worship Materials:
- Shivling: The main deity of worship.
- Water: Use Ganga water or clean local water.
- Vine Leaves: For offering.
- An Urn: With water inside.
- Incense and oil lit lamps: For fragrance.
- Agarbatti: For a serene and peaceful surrounding.
- Flowers: Use Champa, Ratrani, Kevda, or Gulab.
- Naivedya: Fruits and sweets should be offered.
- Perfume: Use kevar-rose or any other fragrance.
Chanting Mantras: Chanta “Om Namah Shivaya,” which is a five-syllable mantra that calls upon Lord Shiva’s blessings. This mantra is dear to Him and gives us an opportunity to gain His grace.
Recite Om Namah Shivaaya
Lord Shiva is worshipped by many and surrendering oneself to Him would yield supreme bliss. The month of Savan gives supreme bliss to devotees touching the divine while accruing spiritual merit. The worship should always be done in a spirit of genuine faith.
Lord Mahadev, the infinite power, is the great form, the compassionate, the naive steward, whoever comes to his shelter just becomes his own
अजं शाश्वतं कारणं कारणानां शिवं केवलं भासकं भासकानाम्।
तुरीयं तम:पारमाद्यन्तहीनं प्रपद्ये परं पावनं द्वैतहीनम।।